I have little left to praise that already hasn't been expressed. It is a superb story. Nail the finish, Barb, and you will have a classic. I cannot tell where you are taking it - a good sign of your fine writing. It occurs that if Barbara is saved, she would make a fine alter girl, serving as handmaiden to the new and illustrious Pope.
It is also good to see the narration serving to dispel earlier doubts about the remarkable qualities of the Cardinal Bishop. Those who previously questioned his motives and attention to duty should feel a bit embarrassed. What a hero! What an outstanding, saintly man! What a spectacular tactician! What an unselfish and giving person! What a wise and learned father of the Church! What a ... Well, you all know I could go on much further and it would be most deserved. But I don't want to repeat the obvious about this holy, brilliant, kind, strong, handsome, wise, honorable, etc., etc., etc., (not to mention, modest!) man!